The Top 10 Nutritional Supplements for Athletes

By Robert Rousseau, Bodyomics.com

Trying to find the top 10 supplements for athletes isn't exactly easy. After all, there are literally thousands of different supplements out there, and each of them has their own set of pros and cons. Thus, we here at Bodyomics.com have chosen to take a few supplements from each category. Spread the wealth, if you will.

In other words, you'll see a two to three supplements from each of the following categories: Nitric Oxide products, Creatine products, protein powders, and multivitamins included within this 10 supplement list.
So without further ado, let's start with an introduction to Nitric Oxide.

Disclaimer: Realize that many, if not all, of these supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Further, no one should ever take a supplement without first contacting an appropriate physician. No article can ever make up for this kind of contact.

What is Nitric Oxide?

We all know what multivitamins are. Nearly everyone has come across a protein powder before. But what about Nitric Oxide?

Nitric Oxide (NO) was discovered in the 1980's. Basically, it refers to a gas that was found to be present for just an instant every time a muscle contracted and a blood vessel dilated.

At first, NO's use was lost on people because no one could figure out how to maintain levels of it in muscle for extended periods.

But then Ed Byrd, the person that introduced creatine to bodybuilding, figured out an extended release delivery system. In theory, this allows your muscles a continuous rush of blood flowing through them. And that theoretically will help open the blood vessels that bring muscle building agents to you for an extended period of time throughout the day. Bigger muscles, greater strength, and more endurance are the likely positive consequences.

By the way, the key ingredient used to produce NO is L-arginine, an amino acid found in grains, fish, and meats.

So now that we're done with that...

Top Nitric Oxide Products for Athletes

Cold Fusion NO: When you're an athlete, you need results and fast. That's where Cold Fusion comes in. You see, Cold Fusion offers around twice the amount of Nitric Oxide per serving that most of its competitors do.

In other words, it's really only for serious athletes and bodybuilders.

Nitrix by BSN: Dow Chemical actually formulated BSN's exclusive release technology, which is known as Methocel. There are a lot of people out there that rave about this product, and this somewhat revolutionary technology may be the reason why.

Said another way, Nitrix BSN is said to maintain its concentrations and release rate for nearly an entire day. And maintenance is very important when it comes to NO.

Nitrous from Syntrax: Nitrous from Syntrax is nicely bioavailable because of its lonis delivery system. It's also pretty much unnoticeable in your favorite beverage as it comes in a neutral powder. Further, it offers a combination of arginine and malic acid that helps along insulin secretion, muscle pumps, vascularity, and recovery quite well, according to some reports.

Another nice thing about Syntrax products is that they are oftentimes fairly priced.

Top Whey Protein Powders for Athletes

Don't need a lot of ado when it comes to protein. We all know what it is. So, let's get down to it.

Designer Whey Protein: Designer Protein is very popular. Here's the reason: Taste. Designer Protein has won the Gold Medal- Best of Taste award before. Further, it's fairly priced at around $24 per 2 lb. container.

In that 2 lb. container you get approximately 17.5 grams of protein and 2.8 carbs. Before you turn your back on it because of the relatively lower protein portions, remember that if you can't stomach the taste of your protein powder for a long period of time than it's relatively useless.

Syntrax Nectar: Syntrax Nectar should be on your short list when it comes to whey protein powders. First off, it has no carbs, no fat, and less than 5mg of cholesterol (compare that with the 43 mg. of cholesterol in Designer and 30 mg. in 100% Whey Protein). Further, it is fairly priced. But the best part is that Syntrax comes in more than just the standard chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors. In other words, you get to choose from flavors like apple ecstacy, twisted cherry, and crystal sky fruit punch.

So for something different with a lot of health benefits, Syntrax may be the way to go.

100% Whey Protein: First, you get 24 grams of protein per serving if you go the 100% Whey Protein route with only 3 carbs. Not bad, huh? Then there's the price, which roughly comes in at $44 per 5 lb. container.

Some good reasons to look 100% Whey Protein's way.

What is Creatine?

Here's a very helpful definition on this somewhat controversial supplement found at Medterms.com: Creatine is a compound the body synthesizes (makes) and then utilizes to store energy. The storage of energy occurs when phosphate molecules are attached to creatine to create creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate is capable of donating phosphate to ADP in order to make ATP. ATP can then be converted into ADP with release of energy.

Creatine is sold as a dietary supplement and is used by athletes as a "legal steroid" to increase muscle bulk. There has been some concern about the long-term safety of creatine, particularly as to whether it may cause digestive, muscular and cardiovascular problems and possibly raise the risk of cancer.

Now let's get down to it.

Top Creatine Products for Athletes

EAS Phosphagen: Reportedly, several university studies have shown improvements in muscle performance in relation to control groups when taking EAS Phosphagen. Along with this, some participants have noted three to three and a half pound muscle gains in less than a full week.

And the bottom line is that when athletes take supplements, they want them to work. Hence, EAS's inclusion on this list.

Xyience NOXCG3: Xyience is a big name in the supplements industry due to its former connection with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The fact is that this particular supplement may be well worth your while for more reason than just Creatine. Yes, it does contain three highly absorbable Creatines in Creatine Ethyl Ester, Creatine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, and Tri-Creatine Malate. However, this product also contains three Nitric Oxide boosters and three scientifically advanced glutamines. So, it's like killing three birds with one stone.

On top of it all, Xyience NOXCG3 comes in flavors like Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, and Lemon Lime. Not bad, huh?

Top Multivitamins for Athletes

Heck, from early on we're all taught to take Flinstone vitamins and such. Thus, virtually everyone knows how important these supplements can be to everyday people.

For athletes, well, obviously taking a good one is even more important.

AST Multi Pro 32X:

AST Multi Pro 32X gets a lot of notoriety for athletes because it's a high performance vitamin that is taken more than once a day. Further, it supplies the necessary nutrients for advanced workouts and is available in tablet form (making it more absorbable). AST Multi Pro 32X also has a nice mix of antioxidants in it.

NOW Foods ADAM: Here's a fact. A lot of vitamins out there give you things in proportions that our body can't use. That's where ADAM differs in that it was made to contain the lowest levels unneeded additional ingredients.

Beyond that, it gives athletes the nutrients they need to engage in strenuous physical activity. Realize, however, that NOW Foods ADAM was made for men. So this one isn't for you, ladies.